Morning. The engines are started and warmed up. I go to the marina office and ask for assistance with departure — the yacht is moored in such a way that the bow needs to be pulled off to leave the berth safely. There is no bow thruster on board yet — the most essential piece of equipment, and one of the first in line for installation. Even the wiring is already prepared; the only issue is that the yacht will have to be lifted out of the water, which is neither easy nor cheap.

The wind is pressing us onto the berth, so simply casting off and leaving is not an option. We wait in full “battle readiness.” Tea, coffee, a bit of rest.

Unfortunately, it took more time than we expected. Closer to noon. But the exit was worth it: two motorboats, one at the bow and one at the stern, pulled us away from the pier, guiding us past obstacles ahead and astern, and wished us a fair journey.

Open sea! What could be more beautiful? We set a course due south, hoist all three sails, shut down the engines, and move forward in complete silence. Life is beautiful. The island of Samos gradually fades astern, dissolving into a hazy mist. Ahead lies a tour of the Greek islands!

By prior agreement, we want to go as far south as possible and then find a suitable place to anchor. The prevailing wind today is northerly — as it is almost every day in the Aegean Sea around the Greek islands. Our preliminary plan is to reach Kos in a couple of days and then return at a relaxed pace, most likely tacking against the wind. Or under engines, depending on the remaining time and conditions.

We didn’t cover much distance, but everything went smoothly. At dusk — as usual for me, after a day’s passage, anchoring or entering a marina always seems to happen at sunset — we found a suitable bay on the southern side of the island of Lipsi. It is quiet and safe here.

Dinner was prepared by my British friend — he turned out to be an excellent cook. Even though his profession is quite different: he is a doctor, a lecturer, and is preparing to defend his doctoral dissertation in medicine.

Tonight, we can sleep. The wind is just right — from the north, pushing us away from the shore — and there is plenty of space around us.